Child Count

States are required to report the Child Count data under Title 1, Part A, Subsection 618 of the IDEA. As a result of this requirement, each year, the District must conduct a federal count regarding the number of children with disabilities receiving special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  This data must represent an accurate and unduplicated count of children receiving special education and related services according to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Services Plan (ISP) on the day of the designated Child Count date.  Students other than those ages 3-21 as of the designated Child Count date are excluded from the Child Count total.  The collection of Child Count data for children with disabilities is not only important for meeting federal reporting requirements, but also for learning about the enrollment, educational environments, disability categories, and general demographics of children with disabilities.

The process for obtaining this information is completed through electronic roster verifications with special education teachers and therapists. Once complete, this data is submitted to the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Services.